Skopje, 20 February 2026 (MIA) – Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski received on Friday a donation from the Federal Republic of Germany worth approximately €600,000.

“We received this valuable donation on Friday at the Ministry of Interior in the presence of the German Ambassador Petra Drexler, one again confirming the strong partnership and mutual trust between our two countries. The donation includes equipment worth about €600,000 - special-purpose vehicles, thermal imaging cameras, computers and software, document inspection devices, which will directly contribute to more efficient border protection, a more successful fight against organised crime, human trafficking and migrant smuggling as well as to the enhancement of forensic capacities,” Toshkovski said on social media.

Toshkovski underscored that the donation represents a symbol of trust and strong partnership between the two countries.

“This ceremony is not just a formal handover of equipment, but a clear message that Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with Macedonia in the joint fight against organised crime, in protecting our borders and in ensuring the security to the citizens. This support we receive is not measured only in material assets, but also in knowledge, training and the exchange of experience, which means long-term strengthening of capacities and professionalization of the Macedonian police,” Toshkovski said.

He expressed gratitude to the German Federal Police and the German Embassy in Skopje for their continuous support, noting that six training programs for Macedonian police officers are proof of the strategic and long-term cooperation between the two institutions.

Toshkovski stressed that such assistance represents a significant contribution to strengthening institutional capacities and improving security, as well as to achieving the shared vision of a safe, stable and European Macedonia.

“By providing technical equipment, we are continuing our long-standing and trusted police cooperation. Strengthening North Macedonia’s capacities in border surveillance, combating human trafficking, illegal migration, and cross-border crime is in our shared European interest. Together, we are working to strengthen Europe – today and in the future,” German Ambassador Petra Drexler emphasized.

In his statement, Toshkovski noted that even more important than the equipment is the message behind this support: that Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with North Macedonia in ensuring security and stability for its citizens.

“Through joint training programs and the exchange of experience, we are building a modern, professional, and European police force. Sincere thanks to the German Federal Police and the German Embassy in Skopje for their continuous support. Together, we will continue strengthening the security and institutions of our country,” Toshkovski said.

Photo: Panche Toshkovski’s Facebook